Shipping container



W, 19355. M. FOSHEE 2,@24,35

. SHIPPING CONTAINER Filed. June 6, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Ja b PatentedDec. 10, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SHIPPING CONTAINER MasonFoshee, Jacksonville, Fla.

Application June 6, 1934, Serial No. 729,326

Claims.

This invention relates to shipping containers and more particularlytocrates of polygonal and substantially circular cross sectioncharacterized by the section or sections which form the body 5 portionof the crate being flexibly and permanently secured together to form acollapsible enclosing structure requiring only the operation of openingout prior to assembly therewith of the bottom and top sections.

The present invention has for its main objects the provision of aknock-down or collapsible crate of improved design; the provision of acrate of the above character which, when assembled and packed,constitutes an attractive package; the provision of a knock-down orcollapsible crate which approaches a cylinder in shape; the provision ofcollapsible crates of polygonal and/or substantially circularcross-section which, when collapsed, may be conveniently handled and/or20 shipped and/or stored; the provision of collapsible crates ofpolygonal and/or substantially circular cross-section which requires theminimum amount of manipulation to assemble while at the same timerequiring no expensive equipment in assembly; the provision of acollapsible crate of the above character which may be inexpensivelyfabricated by machine production practices; the provision of collapsiblecrates of polygonal and/or substantially circular cross-section which,when assembled, possess a high degree of strength, rigidity anddurability.

Other objects will be in part obvious and in part hereinafter pointedout in connection with the accompanying sheet of drawings illustrating35 an embodiment of my invention.

In the drawings- Fig. 1 is an elevation, partly in section, of one formof crate in accordance with the present invention;

F Figl. 2 is a top view of the crate illustrated in Fig. 3 is a bottomview thereof;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the crate body portion when collapsed;

Fig. 5 is a top view of a polygonal crate and cover therefor inaccordance with the present invention; and. i

Fig. 6 is a top view of the crate illustrated in 5, with the coverremoved.

Referring to Figs. 1-4 of the drawings, such a crate is so constructedas to simulate a cylinder, and in fact closely approaches a circle incrosssection. The body portion of the crate generally indicated at 10,as illustrated in collapsed condition in Fig. 4, is constituted by aplurality of sides or sections II and, in the present instance, eachsection is formed of a thin strip of veneer or the like. The sections llextend in generally parallel relation, each section being permanentlyand flexibly joined to adjacent sections by upper, 5 lower, and, ifdesired, intermediate encirclin wires, bands, or equivalent bindingelements I2, l 3, M which are hereinafter referred to as binding wires.The ends of each of the encircling binding wires are permanentlyconnected to- 10 gether or, equivalently, secured to a common section.Preferably, the binding wires I2, I 3, I4 are stapled as by staples I5to the sections, such staples also serving to secure cleats to bedescribed to the strips forming the sections.

The several sections II are spaced from each other by providing slack inthe binding wires [2, l3, [4 intermediate adjacent sections, the lengthof the wires between sections being at least sufiicient to permitadjacent sections to be folded, 20 one on the other, in paralleloverlying relation. By reference to Fig. 4, it will be seen that suchslack portions between sections provide hinges l6, which permit theenclosing structure formed by the connected sections H to be collapsed.It 25 will further appear that the collapsed structure as shown in Fig.4 requires only the single manipulation of opening out intosubstantially circular form as the first step of assembly in setting upthe crate.

Preferably, each of the sections H is provided with a bottom interiorcleat I8, although cleats on alternate sections may sufiice, such cleatsextending transversely across the several sections and being in length.the substantial width of the section. Such cleats I8 form an abutmentfor a circular bottom 20 which is forced downwardly into the opened-outbody portion of the crate as described until the bottom section 2|engages the top surfaces of said cleats l8. The diameter of the bottomsection 20 is such that, when the bottom section is forced downwardly tolie against the cleats, the bottom section acts to force said sectionsII of the body portion radially and thus to draw tautly the slack orhinge portions l6 of 45 the encircling binding wires l2, l3, M. Theinner surfaces of the sections ll thus extend tangentially along thecircumferential edge of the bottom section 20, and the proportioning ofthe parts is such that the bottom section is held in frictionalengagement with the sections l l of the body portion. This arrangementenhances the rigidity of the bottom portion of the crate and at the sametime causes the bottom portion thereof to simulate a cylinder although,by reason of 55 indicated in Fig. 1.

bottom cleats I8, the relation between sections II is angular ratherthan arcuate. However, the circular bottom tends to cause the sidesections to assume an arcuate formation.

By reference to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the top portions ofthe sections I I are devoid of cleats or the like. Consequently, suchsections may flex to a substantially arcuate shape and are so flexedupon the insertion of a circular top generally indicated at 22 andcomprising a circular disc 23 and a peripheral flange or hoop 24. Theoverall depth of the circular disc 23 and the hoop 24 is such as toprovide substantial bearing surface against the inner faces of thestrips H of the body portion of the crate.

It will be evident from the foregoing descrip-' tion that, in assembly,the collapsed enclosing structure formed by the flexibly connected andrelatively vertical strips I I is first opened out into substantiallycylindrical formation, and this is effected by a simple manualmanipulation. Thereupon bottom 20 is forced down into position to engageinterior cleats I8 and such functions to set the bottom portion of thecrate to a formation approaching the circular and to locate the sectionswith respect to each other. The resulting crate is now ready for packingand, upon completion of the packing, the cover 22 is forced into theopen mouth of the crate body portion to a position where the top edge ofthe peripheral hoop 24 is at the level of the top edges of the sectionsI I. The proportioning of the cover 22 is such that the cover snuglyfits the mouth opening and the act of insertion thereof tensions thehinge or slack portions I6 of the top encircling wire I2 and, to someextent, the intermediate encircling wire I3, whereby to locate the topportions of the sections with respect to each other. The flexibility ofthe thin strips I I causes the same to assume an arcuate shape and thetop portion of the crate thus closely approaches circular formation.

Conventional means are provided for securing the top 22 to the cratebody portion, one such means being illustrated and comprising spacedmale loops 25 suitably secured to the cover adjacent its edge and heldby hoop 24, and cooperating with female loops 26 suitably secured to thetop edge portions of the crate body portion. Upon coaction of loops 25,26, a cover loop 25 is bent backwardly on itself to flex a loop 26,inwardly over thetop edge of the crate and, by further bending the endof the loop 25 downwardly, the cover 22 is securely yet detachablypositioned, as

Where it is desired to dispense with the hoop 24, spaced blocks securedto the cover disc 23 adjacent its edges may be provided, one for eachfastener 25, thus to aid in securing the fasteners to the cover.

Considering now the crate illustrated in Figs. and 6, this latter formof crate is truly polygonal and, in the construction illustrated, ishexagonal in cross-section. According to this modified construction,each of the six side sections forming a collapsible enclosing structureis constituted by a plurality of thin strips 30, the strips of a sectionbeing permanently associated by means of lower interior cleats 3! andsimilarly disposed upper cleats 32, said cleats extending transverselyacross a section and being in length substantially the width of thestrips plus the gap therebetween. The upper ceats 32, although illustrated as being interiorly disposed, may be "secured exteriorly, andare provided to overcome the tendency of the upper mouth portion of thecrate to assume circular shape when packed.

The several sections form a flexible enclosing structure, each sectionbeing held to adjacent sections by encircling Wires or bands 33 or the 6like, which, like each of the encircling wires I2,

I3 and I4 aforesaid, has its ends secured to each other or,equivalently, to a common side section. The encircling wires 33 extendtautly across each of the several sections and are preferably stapledthereto. Sufficient slack is provided in the wires 33 between thesections as to permit adjacent sections to fold one on the other andoverlie the same in parallel relation.

Upon opening out the body portion of the crate structure, the bottom 35is inserted through the relatively upper mouth thereof and forceddownwardly until it engages the top edges of the bottom cleats 3I. Inthe instance shown, the bottom 35 is hexagonal in shape and, beingproportioned to snugly fit the interior of the body portion, acts totension the slack portions of wires 33 between sections and to form thebody portion into hexagonal formation by locating with respect to eachother the several side sections, while at the same time impartingrigidity to the bottom portion of the crate.

Upon suitably packing the resulting crate, the top 36 including edgecleats 37 providing a relatively deep contacting area, is forced intothe open mouth thereof and is also suitably proportioned as to tensionthe slack portions of Wires 33 between sections and to locate the topportions of the several sections with respect to each other. The topsection being hexagonal, the top zone of the crate is forced into thesame crosssectional shape as the cover which, in the modification shown,is similar in shape to the bottom 35 thereof.

Suitable securing means for holding the cover 40 36 in position isprovided, such as the male and female loops secured to the top and bodyportions of the crate, respectively, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2.

It will be evident that various modifications of tially the full widthof the strips or sections, there may be substituted relatively shortblocks against which the bottom engages, the length of each block beingsufiicient to locate and support the bottom, but not such as tointerfere substantially with the flexing of the strips to arcuateformation. Again the cleats I8 may be dispensed with if a slip type ofcircular cover is desired, with suitable provision being made forsecurement of the cover to the sections forming the body portion of thecrate. In these latter constructions, the bottom portion of the cratewould be more nearly circular than if provided with bottom cleats, It isfurther possible to utilize exterior cleats in place of the interiorcleats I8, by uti lizing a slip-in type of bottom and providing suit- 55able securing means therefor.

The advantages of the above-described crates Will be evident. Thepresent invention provides a collapsible crate of substantially circularcrosssection, if desired, or one that is truly polygonal incross-section. Such forms of crate provide extremely ornamental packagesfor shipment and distribution of certain goods, and at the same timetheir construction is such as to be relatively inexpensive inmanufacture and at the same time requiring the minimum amount ofmanipulation in assembly and further requiring no expensive equipment toassemble. The resulting structure is light in weight and fabricated fromlightweight inexpensive material, yet it possesses a high degree ofstrength, rigidity, and durability. The arrangement is further such thatthe crate, when collapsed, utilizes a minimum amount of space and may bereadily shipped. and/or stored fiat.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthis invention that others can by applying current knowledge readilyadapt it for various applications without omitting certain features thatfrom the standpoint of the prior art fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention,and therefore such adaptations should and are intended to becomprehended within the meaning and range of equivalency of thefollowing claims.

I claim:

1. A multi-sided crate comprising a. plurality of vertical sectionsincluding transversely extending bottom cleats of a length substantiallythe width of the sections, top and bottom encircling binding wires forflexibly and permanently securing each of said sections to adjacentsections and in spaced relation thereto, said binding wires betweensections being of sufficient length as to permit adjacent sections tofold over on one another and in parallel relation, whereby said sectionsform a collapsible enclosing structure, a bottom for insertion in saidstructure for engagement against said bottom cleats, said bottom beingso dimensioned as to tension the portions of the binding means extendingbetween sections and to locate the sections with respect to each other,and a cover for insertion in the top of the structure having aperipheral edge surface of substantial depth for engagement with theinner faces of said sections, the size and shape of said cover beingsuch as to tension the upper binding means and to define thecross-sectional shape of the upper portion of said structure.

2. A substantially cylindrical crate comprisin a plurality of relativelyvertical sections including transversely extending bottom cleats, topand bottom encircling binding wires for flexibly and permanentlysecuring each of said sections to an adjacent section and in spacedrelation thereto, said binding wires between sections being ofsufficient length as to permit adjacent sections to fold over on oneanother in parallel relation, whereby said sections form a collapsiblcenclosing structure, a bottom for insertion in said structure to engageagainst the bottom cleats, said bottom being so dimensioned as totension the portions of the binding means extending between sections,the top portions of said sections being devoid of cleats, and a circulartop for insertion into the top portion of the structure, said top beingso dimensioned as to tension the top binding means and to cause thesections to conform to the periphery of said cover.

3. A substantially cylindrical crate comprising a plurality ofrelatively vertical sections ineluding transversely extending bottomcleats, top and bottom encircling binding wires for flexibly andpermanently securing each of said sections to adjacent sections and inspaced relation thereto, said binding wires between sections being ofsuihcient length as to permit adjacent sections to fold over on oneanother in parallel relation, whereby said sections form a collapsibleenclosing structure, a. circular bottom for insertion into saidstructure and engaging against said bottom cleats, said bottom being sodimensioned as to tension the portions of the binding means extendingbetween sections and to snugly engage the inner faces of the sectionsand tend to flex the same, the top portions of the sections being devoidof cleats, and a circular top for insertion into the top portion of thestructure, said cover being so dimensioned as to tension the top bindingmeans and to cause the sections to flex substantially to the curvatureof said cover.

4. A substantially cylindrical crate comprising a plurality ofrelatively vertical sections including transversely extending bottomcleats, top and bottom encircling binding wires for flexibly andpermanently securing each of said sections to adjacent sections and inspaced relation thereto, said binding wires between sections being ofsufficient length as to permit adjacent sections to fold over on oneanother in parallel relation, whereby said sections form a collapsibleenclosing structure, a circular bottom for insertion into said structureand engaging against said bottom cleats, said bottom being sodimensioned as to tension the portions of the binding means extendingbetween sections and to snugly engage the inner faces of the sectionsand tend to flex the same, the top portions of the sections being devoidof cleats, and a cover for insertion into the top portion of thestructure and having an edge surface of substantial depth, said coverbeing so dimensioned and its depth being such as to cause said sectionsto flex to the substantial curvature of said cover.

5. A container of polygonal shape comprising a plurality of relativelyvertical sections including transversely extending bottom and topcleats, bottom and top encircling binding wires for flexbly andpermanently securing each of said sections to adjacent sections and inspaced relation thereto, said binding wires between sections being ofsuflicient length as to permit adjacent sections to fold over on oneanother and in parallel relation, whereby said sections form acollapsible enclosing structure, a bottom of polygonal shape forinsertion into said structure for engagement against said cleats, saidbottom being so dimensioned as to tension the portions of the bottombinding means extending between said sections and to locate the lowerportions of said sections with respect to each other, and a cover ofpolygonal shape for insertion into the top of said structure, said coverhaving an edge surface of substantial depth for engagement against theinner faces of the upper cleats, the cover being so dimensioned as totension the upper binding means and to locate the top portions of thesections with respect to each other. MASON FOSHEE.

